Definition:Composition of Mappings/Definition 3
Definition
Let $S_1$, $S_2$ and $S_3$ be sets.
Let $f_1: S_1 \to S_2$ and $f_2: S_2 \to S_3$ be mappings such that the domain of $f_2$ is the same set as the codomain of $f_1$.
The composite of $f_1$ and $f_2$ is defined and denoted as:
- $f_2 \circ f_1 := \set {\tuple {x, z} \in S_1 \times S_3: \exists y \in S_2: \map {f_1} x = y \land \map {f_2} y = z}$
That is:
- $f_2 \circ f_1 := \set {\tuple {x, z} \in S_1 \times S_3: \exists y \in S_2: \tuple {x, y} \in f_1 \land \tuple {y, z} \in f_2}$
Commutative Diagram
The concept of composition of mappings can be illustrated by means of a commutative diagram.
This diagram illustrates the specific example of $f_2 \circ f_1$:
- $\begin{xy}\xymatrix@+1em{ S_1 \ar[r]^*+{f_1} \ar@{-->}[rd]_*[l]+{f_2 \mathop \circ f_1} & S_2 \ar[d]^*+{f_2} \\ & S_3 }\end{xy}$
Warning
Let $f_1: S_1 \to S_2$ and $f_2: S_2 \to S_3$ be mappings such that:
- $\Dom {f_2} \ne \Cdm {f_1}$
where $\Dom {f_2}$ and $\Cdm {f_1}$ denote domain and codomain respectively.
Then the composite mapping $f_2 \circ f_1$ is not defined.
Compare with the definition of composition of relations in the context of the fact that a mapping is a special kind of relation.
Also known as
In the context of analysis, this is often found referred to as a function of a function, which (according to some sources) makes set theorists wince, as it is technically defined as a function on the codomain of a function.
Some sources call $f_2 \circ f_1$ the resultant of $f_1$ and $f_2$ or the product of $f_1$ and $f_2$.
Some authors write $f_2 \circ f_1$ as $f_2 f_1$.
Some use the notation $f_2 \cdot f_1$ or $f_2 . f_1$.
Some use the notation $f_2 \bigcirc f_1$.
Others, particularly in books having ties with computer science, write $f_1; f_2$ or $f_1 f_2$ (note the reversal of order), which is read as (apply) $f_1$, then $f_2$.
Also see
- Results about composite mappings can be found here.
Sources
- 2000: James R. Munkres: Topology (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $1$: Set Theory and Logic: $\S 2$: Functions
![]() | This page may be the result of a refactoring operation. As such, the following source works, along with any process flow, will need to be reviewed. When this has been completed, the citation of that source work (if it is appropriate that it stay on this page) is to be placed above this message, into the usual chronological ordering. In particular: Definition 3 as set of tuples If you have access to any of these works, then you are invited to review this list, and make any necessary corrections. To discuss this page in more detail, feel free to use the talk page. When this work has been completed, you may remove this instance of {{SourceReview}} from the code. |
- 2011: Robert G. Bartle and Donald R. Sherbert: Introduction to Real Analysis (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): $\S 1.1$: Sets and Functions